Chapter 47: The Celestial River's Righteous Judgment

Although Chen Yang had eventually joined the Demon Sect, his mastery of demonic arts was legendary, shaking heaven and earth. Yet, at his core, he hailed from the Five Peaks Sect. The Grandmaster of Primordial Unity, who had transitioned from demonhood to the path of the Way, was, before Emei rose to prominence, not part of any fringe sect, much less the Demon Sect, but rather belonged to the great northern Daoist school. Later, the Grandmaster secluded himself to comprehend the Great Dao, neglecting the discipline of his disciples. His partiality and trust in those he had personally taught led him to believe they could not commit heinous acts. Thus, Chen Yang and his wayward disciples gradually became a burden, ultimately bringing disaster upon him.

Even after calamity struck, the Grandmaster remained a universally acknowledged master, whom none would deem a heretic—not even Emei, who most desired it, could utter such insincere words. The Grandmaster’s sole fault lay in having taken in these unworthy disciples.

Of his two disciples, Zhong Shenxiu was born with a murderous aura, fated to encounter slaughter unceasingly, finding enlightenment only amid bloodshed. Chen Yang taught him how to anchor his heart, lest he lose himself to violence. Guo Xiaoshan, on the other hand, was compassionate and righteous by nature, so Chen Yang instructed him in the art of adaptation. Yet, whether Zhong Shenxiu or Guo Xiaoshan, Chen Yang never sought to distort their natures, forcing them to resemble himself.

Righteousness or evil, all paths ultimately converge; Buddhism is the Way, and so too is the demonic path. The distinctions between Dao and Buddhism, Dao and Demon, are mere ideological and fortune-based disputes, rather than true differences in the Way.

The essence of cultivation is not limitless power or boundless supernatural abilities—these are but tools, not the purpose. True cultivation lies in realizing one’s true self, gaining supreme wisdom, and transcending all realms.

Having laid the Heavenly Water Formation, intercepting a portion of the boundless true water from the sea’s eye, Chen Yang resided within the Crystal Palace, training while instructing his foolish disciple, supplementing the basic knowledge necessary for the Dao.

As for Sima and Shangguan, who had been frightened out of their wits, they hastily left within a few days, abandoning all aspirations of immortality.

Several years passed in a flash.

With his foundational knowledge restored, Guo Xiaoshan began to form his own understanding of cultivation.

On this day, the first drop of Heavenly True Water was condensed.

Witnessing the wondrous properties of Heavenly True Water’s synthesis with all things, and recalling the Primordial Heavy Water used by his master to set formations, as well as the doctrine of one breath as the ancestral qi, ancestral qi giving rise to myriad energies, and myriad energies creating all things—Guo Xiaoshan felt enlightenment stir within him. He immediately sat cross-legged, pondering deeply.

“No, no, Heavenly True Water can synthesize all things, but if cultivated directly, it would only turn the body into a lump—a flesh ball. Primordial Heavy Water is no better; a single drop weighs countless tons, how can the mortal body withstand it? Ordinary true water lacks such miraculous properties, and cannot compare to true qi or spiritual power...”

Chen Yang, having stowed away the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl that radiated five-colored brilliance, heard his disciple’s muttering. His thoughts shifted, instantly discerning Guo Xiaoshan’s concerns, and offered guidance:

“In truth, it’s not impossible. Begin by cultivating postnatal true water, then use specific methods to nurture the flesh. Afterwards, employ the force of the Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiends to temper the true water, transforming the postnatal into the prenatal.

Even so, something is still lacking. You must devise special talismans: one to collect prenatal true water, preventing it from burdening you; and another to control and manipulate the water, so that prenatal true water truly becomes as usable as spiritual power.

Your idea is quite excellent. The immortal path cultivates ancestral qi; spiritual energy is the transformation of ancestral qi, all things derive from it. The boundless sea water is, in fact, also a manifestation of ancestral qi.

If one could truly develop such a method, while it may not completely solve the depletion of the world’s source, it would certainly alleviate it greatly.

The seven types of prenatal true water each possess extraordinary properties and immense potential. If cultivated, it becomes prenatal spiritual power. Once advanced, one could even wield the authority of the world’s water element.

Building upon this, and aligning with one of the three thousand great ways...”

“Excellent, truly excellent. Foolish boy, you are not foolish at all.”

Chen Yang’s understanding of the Dao far surpassed that of Guo Xiaoshan, whose knowledge was but half-baked. He began with casual guidance, but as he spoke, inspiration surged ever higher.

Should this method be perfected, it would forge an entirely new immortal path.

To found a sect, become an ancestor—such achievements would be but modest.

Hearing his master elevate his spontaneous idea from mere energy training to the heights of the three thousand paths, Guo Xiaoshan was left utterly stunned.

...

Half a month later.

“Master, why don’t you cultivate this yourself?”

After just half a month, his master had crafted a new method based on his own sudden insight. Guo Xiaoshan, though somewhat simple-minded, was not truly foolish; naturally, he did not wish to be a test subject. Out of respect for his master, he refrained from outright refusal.

He had not expected Chen Yang, ever skilled in ensnaring his disciples, to be so shameless. With a sly grin, Chen Yang replied:

“As the saying goes, when the master has a task, the disciple must undertake it. This method is newly created—who knows what flaws it may have? Naturally, you, as my disciple, must help me venture forth first.”

Guo Xiaoshan, feeling aggrieved, wanted to protest but could find no grounds; Chen Yang had spoken definitively, leaving no room for argument.

“The ‘Heavenly River True Method’ I have devised uses Primordial Heavy Water as its foundation, cultivating a river of spiritual power. In time, you can form a Heavenly River Primordial Spirit. In terms of spiritual power, it may be unrivaled beneath heaven. With such wondrous technique before you, you must not fail to appreciate its worth.”

Seeing his disciple’s sullen face, as if facing some dire punishment, Chen Yang let out a cold laugh.

“I will cultivate it, master. No need to frighten me so.”

The foolish boy sighed, then sat cross-legged to begin cultivating the Heavenly River True Method.

Guo Xiaoshan, whose foundation was already established, started with energy training.

He entered meditation, cleared his mind, and visualized the true water talisman.

Once the seed of the true water talisman was formed in his mind, he used it as a basis to absorb water vapor and condense true water.

Being at the sea’s eye, with boundless vital water vapor gathered, he was in the supreme land for cultivating the Heavenly River True Method.

Within a day, Guo Xiaoshan produced the first drop of Heavenly River True Water.

A current of water essence coursed through his body, nourishing his flesh according to Chen Yang’s method.

Though newly devised, the method was sound thanks to Chen Yang’s high attainment, and the initial stages posed no issue.

Observing his disciple’s progress, which matched his expectations perfectly, Chen Yang relaxed.

“If this world has any hope left, it must rest upon this foolish disciple of mine. However... taking advantage of me isn’t so easy. Seizing the world’s authority, merging with the three thousand paths—in the future, this world... heh heh...”